On-the-go Granola Bars

Anyone else out there like to keep a snack with them at all times? It may seem overkill with all the options available on-the-go...but the problem is that fast food rarely correlates to healthy food. With a little extra planning on the front end, you can keep healthy snacks with you and never feel stuck in a fast food desert! 

I like to make bulk items like granola bars, almond butter/milk, brown rice, vegetable broth, salad dressings, etc. on Sunday afternoons so that I'm ready for the week. I'll be sharing more ideas on meal prep and staple items in the coming weeks!

There aren't shortcuts to healthy choices, it's all about evaluating your priorities. Lets be honest, if we could all spare an hour or two of Netflix a week and put that time towards cooking or meal prep, we would be so much healthier!

My nutrition tips and recipes are here to help you make this a reality. I can relate to the struggle, it doesn't always come easy. But cooking healthy food is so rewarding - physically and mentally! 

Choose today to start a change. Try out some new plant-based recipes and consider writing up a meal plan for the week. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, enjoy the process! 

Reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions for future posts!

These granola bars are nutty and seedy and SO filling. They are packed with fiber and protein, antioxidants from the dried berries, and iron from the cacao nibs. Great on their own, or you can top with extra peanut butter or almond butter for an added boost! Enjoy!

---

On-the-go Granola Bars 

Serves: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 20 minutes 

Total Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats, gluten-free if preferred

1 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

2 TBSP ground flaxseed

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

1/2 cup peanut or almond butter

2 TBSP coconut oil*

1/8 - 1/4 cup maple syrup, depending on sweet preference

3 TBSP applesauce, unsweetened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 - 1/2 cup cacao nibs (or sub chocolate chips)**

1/4 cup dried blueberries, unsweetened (or sub mixed dried fruit)

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare an 8x8 in baking dish by lightly coating with coconut oil.

Using a food processor, or blender, add ½ cup of the oats and almonds with ¼ cup of the cashews and sunflower seeds and process into a fine mix, similar in texture to flour. Add to a large mixing bowl. Roughly chop the remaining ½ cup almonds and ¼ cup cashews by pulsing the food processor or chop by hand. Add to the bowl along with the remaining ½ cup oats, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, flaxseed, and salt. Mix well. Set to the side.

Add the nut butter and coconut oil to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stirring frequently, until melted. Add to the mixing bowl along with the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Fold in the cacao nibs and dried blueberries. Then, transfer the granola bar mixture to the prepared 8x8 dish. Use a soft spatula to flatten on top, adding a few extra cacao nibs for good measure.

Bake for 18-22 minutes. The top should be golden brown.

Cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes:

*I use raw extra virgin coconut oil here, Costco has a high quality product and the best price. 

**Cacao nibs are the precursor to chocolate chips. They are naturally sugar-free and are high in iron, magnesium and fiber. They do contain a small amount of caffeine (1/4 the amount in a cup of coffee). Find them in most health food stores in the baking section.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: 1/12 recipe (1 bar)  Total Calories: 247  Total Far: 18 g  Sodium: 111 mg  

Carbohydrates: 17 g  Fiber: 4 g  Sugar: 6 g  Protein: 8 g